Google Forced To Delay Critical Update For Pixel 6 Due To Embarrassing Software Error

The latest Google comes with a 24-hour battery life. (photo: doc. unsplash)

JAKARTA – Google was forced to delay the first major update for its Pixel 6 and 6 Pro smartphones for a month. In the meantime, they have to fix an embarrassing software glitch.

The US tech company said it needed more time to investigate recently discovered calling issues and disconnections for devices with software updates installed.

The updated version will still be released in late January, according to the company, which released its Pixel 6 and 6 Pro flagship phones in October.

However, one commentator lashed out at the California tech giant for taking too long to release an important bug fix. They even criticized it as 'very bad form on Google's part'.

The first major update for the device started rolling out in mid-December and includes fixes and features like Quick Tap to Snap, which lets users access Snapchat directly from the lock screen by simply double-tapping on the back of the phone.

But since the rollout of the update, Google has noticed some users reporting that calls are failing or dropping, forcing Google to stop the rollout.

"The Pixel team stopped the December software update for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices after several users reported that calls were failing or dropping," Camille Vogl, community manager for Pixel at Google, said in a brief post.

“We have now identified a fix that will roll out in a software update at the end of January. This update will also include all the fixes and improvements that were originally planned for December," Vogl said.

"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we roll out the fix," Vogl said.

Vogl also says that 'no action is required' for users who are not experiencing any issues. This indicates that the bug doesn't affect every Pixel 6 and 6 Pro that has a software update.

He also suggests using the Android Flash Tool to install an older version of Android 12 onto their device, but this involves doing a factory reset and backing up the device to avoid losing valuable data.

Google's latest flagship smartphone comes with 24-hour battery life, 'the most advanced camera ever', and Google Tensor, the first processor designed by the company.

As Droid-Life points out, owners of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro with the update have the option to wait a month for a fix or use the Android Flash Tool – but both options are called 'terrible'.

“Both options suck and Google has to do better,” says Droid Life. "In our eyes, it shouldn't take long to fix an important bug."

“Besides, telling the public to use Flash Tool to go back to the old version and wipe their device? Are you kidding me?” Droid Life review.

Or maybe Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 pro users, have to use their other phones, while waiting for a real fix from Google. This could mean the money spent on the phone ends up being wasted.